ROS shutter system

Abstract

Raster Output Scanner (ROS) shutter system capable of blocking and unblocking harmful radiation selectably, semi-automatically or automatically. The system and uses thereof can be applied to various fields including scanners and printers.

1. A system comprising:
 an image photoreceptor; 
 an exposure device configured to direct exposure radiation to the image photoreceptor; 
 a blade-shaped shutter element that selectably blocks and unblocks the exposure radiation directed by the exposure device; 
 a rotating lever, coupled to the shutter element, and configured to:
 (a) actuate the shutter element to a blocked position that obstructs the exposure radiation when the lever is rotated in one direction, and 
 (b) actuate the shutter element to an unblocked position that permits the directed exposure radiation when the lever is rotated in an opposite direction; and 
 
 a spring configured to bias the shutter element in order to maintain the blocked and unblocked positions. 
 
     
     
       2. The device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said exposure device is a Raster Output Scanner (ROS). 
     
     
       3. A system in accordance with  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a housing that supports said ROS; 
 an extension to said rotating lever; 
 one end of a connector attached to said extension; and 
 an opposing end of said connector fixedly connected to said housing; 
 wherein said connector is capable of moving configured to move said extension of said lever semi-automatically to raise said shutter element to the unblocked position. 
 
     
     
       4. The system in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein said extension to said lever is a shaft. 
     
     
       5. The system in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein said connector is a cable capable of wrapping around said shaft. 
     
     
       6. The system in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein said housing comprises a first and a second tower of a printing machine in which one or more of said ROS can be mounted in either the first or the second or both towers. 
     
     
       7. The system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said radiation exposure comprises a laser beam. 
     
     
       8. The system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said shutter element is in the blocked position when lowered to the front of said exposure device. 
     
     
       9. The system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said shutter element is in the blocked position when raised. 
     
     
       10. The system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said spring has a fixed end and a free end. 
     
     
       11. The system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said shutter element is opaque to the exposure radiation. 
     
     
       12. A system in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a torsion spring biasing said shutter element; 
 an actuator arm opposing said torsion spring; 
 a plunger configured to communicate with said actuator arm; 
 wherein said plunger is further configured to communicate with said actuator arm so that when said system moves into a docking position, said actuator arm raises said shutter element into the unblocked position; and 
 wherein when said system moves to undock, said actuator arm retreats and torsion spring automatically forces said shutter element to the blocked position. 
 
     
     
       13. The system in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein said torsion spring is fixed at one pivot point for said actuator arm and said shutter element. 
     
     
       14. The system in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein said actuator arm actuates said shutter element against said torsion spring. 
     
     
       15. The system in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein said plunger contacts said actuator arm to actuate said shutter element automatically into the blocked and unblocked position.